This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed with pasta and a light dressing. It’s fresh and full of flavor!
Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this salad makes you feel good about what you’re eating. I love how quick it is to prepare—just mix and enjoy. Easy peasy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape holds onto the dressing and ingredients well. You can swap it with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle if you prefer. Gluten-free pasta works too!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breasts are the star here. For a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken. If you want a vegetarian twist, try chickpeas or grilled tofu instead.
Avocado: Ripe avocados add creaminess. If you’re allergic or looking for an alternative, consider using Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Just keep the yogurt mix on the lighter side.
Cherry Tomatoes: These bring sweetness and color. If out of season, use halved grape tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor. Canned diced tomatoes could work too if drained well.
Fresh Basil: This adds a fresh note. If you don’t have basil, parsley or cilantro can work as substitutes, offering a different but tasty flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta seems simple, but getting it just right can make a big difference in your salad. Here’s how to do it well:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta.
- Follow package instructions and cook until al dente, which means it should have a slight bite when tasted.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water right away. This stops the cooking process and cools it down for your salad.
- Let the pasta sit for a few minutes to ensure it’s not too warm when you mix it with the other ingredients.
This helps keep the salad fresh and prevents the avocado from browning too quickly. Enjoy your pasta salad! 🍴
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad With Avocado and Tomato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Protein:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
Fresh Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy chicken pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20-30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes, but most of that time is just letting it cool and flavors combining. Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite when you take a taste. Once cooked, drain the pasta and give it a rinse under cold water. This cools it quickly and stops the cooking process. Set it aside to dry a bit.
2. Mix the Fresh Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the shredded chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh basil. This colorful mix brings lots of flavor and freshness to the salad!
3. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing will add a lovely zing to your salad!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and its companions are well-coated in the dressing. You want to take care when mixing to keep the avocado pieces intact.
5. Chill and Serve:
To really let those flavors mingle, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. This step is super important! When you’re ready to serve, you can taste it again and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt and pepper if you like.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the salad cold or at room temperature. This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect as a light meal, potluck dish, or as leftovers throughout the week. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute rotini with any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times, as they can vary a bit from traditional pasta.
How Do I Keep Avocado from Browning?
To prevent your avocado from browning, you can sprinkle a little extra lemon juice on the diced avocado before adding it to the salad. Additionally, adding the avocado just before serving can help maintain its vibrant green color!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just mix everything except the avocado and store it in the fridge. Add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the avocado may start to brown and affect the overall quality, so it’s best to enjoy it sooner rather than later!
